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Weddings

About

Boasting exposed brick walls, distinctive metalwork salvaged from Durham landmarks, a Front Room with ceilings stretching 20 feet high, an outdoor cobblestoned garden and a courtyard, The Cookery's grounds in downtown Durham are the perfect setting for weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, and more.

The Cookery grounds expand over 12,000 sq. ft., and can accommodate seated dinners and wedding ceremonies for up to 330 guests.

Located in the West End neighborhood of Downtown Durham, The Cookery's historic architectural features have a multitude of stories to tell, recounting Durham's rich history and nodding to Bull City's manufacturing and tobacco industrial roots.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Glassware
Tables

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

2

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Banquet Hall
Historic Building

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware

What transportation and access is available?

Valet
Wheelchair Access

Reviews of The Cookery

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.8 out of 5 rating
4.8 out of 5 rating
50 reviews
95% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.7 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

The Cookery is highly praised by multiple reviewers for its stunning venue that offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for various wedding visions. The historic building's ambiance adds a touch of magic to wedding celebrations. The exceptional staff, particularly Virginia, Katie, and Becky, are lauded for their warm hospitality, responsiveness, and professionalism, making the planning process seamless. Additionally, the preferred vendors are commended for their excellent service, although the payment process may be slightly confusing due to charges being funneled through the venue. Overall, reviewers highly recommend The Cookery for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding experience in Durham.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The Cookery is highly praised by multiple reviewers for its stunning venue that offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for various wedding visions. The historic building's ambiance adds a touch of magic to wedding celebrations. The exceptional staff, particularly Virginia, Katie, and Becky, are lauded for their warm hospitality, responsiveness, and professionalism, making the planning process seamless. Additionally, the preferred vendors are commended for their excellent service, although the payment process may be slightly confusing due to charges being funneled through the venue. Overall, reviewers highly recommend The Cookery for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding experience in Durham.

C
Chase L. Sent on 10/19/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing Venue!

We had our wedding ceremony and reception at the cookery. Very wonderful experience! The entire grounds is beautiful and great for pictures. Having a bar package and their recommendations for vendors took a ton of stress out of planning. Virginia was amazing and super helpful with all of our questions even on the day of the wedding! Everything went smooth and better than I could have imagined. Highly recommend!!
Courtney
Courtney W. Sent on 01/24/2024
5 out of 5 rating

A Perfect Blend of History and Hospitality

We recently celebrated our wedding at The Cookery, and we couldn't be more thrilled with our choice. From the moment we laid eyes on the historic building with its ties to the city of Durham, we knew it was the perfect setting for our special day. The ambiance created by the venue's historic significance added a touch of magic to our wedding day.

What truly sets The Cookery apart is the exceptional staff. From the initial stages of planning to the big day itself, the staff went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. Their warmth and friendliness made us feel like we were among friends, and they extended the same hospitality to our guests. Communication was seamless, and their attention to our needs was commendable.

The flexibility of the multiple spaces within the venue allowed us to create the wedding of our dreams. Our guests were equally enamored with the versatility of the venue, praising its unique charm and inviting atmosphere.

We are grateful to the entire team at The Cookery for their dedication and commitment to making our day truly special. It exceeded our expectations in every way, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
B
Brooke J. Sent on 09/24/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing to work with and the most beautiful venue

My husband and I had our wedding at The Cookery and could not be happier with our choice! We were truly blessed to have found such an amazing venue that fit our style, had the most helpful staff, and had the best bar, catering and any add on options you could want! The venue is beautiful and has so many spaces, which makes it versatile and fit for any wedding vision! We cannot thank The Cookery (especially Katie and Virginia) enough for making our day perfect! 10/10 recommend!

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Emily Katherine Events Emily Katherine Events Wedding Planners

The Cookery is one of my favorite venues in Durham! Julie and Tammy are both so easy to work with during the planning process, and the space itself has so much beautiful aesthetic. I'm always excited when I get to work with couples at The Cookery!

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5.0 out of 5 rating , 6 reviews
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ZimZoom Photo Booth
5.0 out of 5 rating , 73 reviews
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Joanna Sue Photography
5.0 out of 5 rating , 80 reviews
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Bona Fide Events
4.9 out of 5 rating , 51 reviews
· Wedding Planners
Hosea House Collective
5.0 out of 5 rating , 3 reviews
· Wedding Planners
Bunn DJ Company
5.0 out of 5 rating , 1,928 reviews
· Wedding DJs

Map

The Cookery frequently asked questions

The Cookery includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Glassware
  • Tables
The space offered by The Cookery for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet Hall
  • Historic Building
The Cookery offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Cookery offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Cookery offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
The Cookery offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Lighting
  • Tables
The Cookery is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.7 in flexibility and 4.7 in value.

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